Tokyo 2015 Preview: Track ready 500 PS BMW M4 GTS unveiled

AUTO NEWS

Track-focused M4 limited to 700 units

by Anton Andres

October 07, 2015 12:04

Shown as a thinly veiled concept at Pebble Beach, BMW has now revealed the production version of the M4 GTS, weeks before its debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. Limited to just 700 units, the M4 GTS gets a significant power bump and upgraded suspension.

Internally known as F82, the M4 GTS differs very little from the concept shown in Pebble Beach. Draped in BMW Individual Frozen Gray, the production M4 GTS also gets Acid Orange accents on the front splitter and bespoke wheels. It also gets a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic hood and blacked-out kidney grills. Extra engine cooling is provided by a pair of extra intakes, said to “optimize airflow and minimize front axle lift." and the front end is finished off with a carbon-fiber front splitter. At the back, the M4 GTS concept gets a carbon fiber rear wing and OLED taillights.

More lightweight materials were used for the interior of the M4 GTS. The electronically adjustable seats have been replaced with carbon-fiber bucket seats. Lightweight materials were also used for the center console, door panels and even the floor of the trunk. BMW took extreme measures in making the car even lighter. The M4 GTS loses its rear seats, replaced with glass fiber reinforced plastic trimmed in Alcantara. Other weight saving measures include door pull straps that replace the solid door handles and an instrument panel bracing tube made from carbon-fiber.

In terms of dynamics, the M4 GTS grips the road with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires measuring 265/35 R19 in front and 285/30 R20 at the back. BMW says the tires are adapted specifically to the M4 GTS, giving the car outstanding mechanical traction and feedback through corners. Being a track-focused car, it also comes standard with M coilover suspension. The coilovers are adjustable in three ways, allowing owners to dial in their set up depending on which circuit they run. Completing the M4 GTS' handling upgrades are a set of lightweight M carbon ceramic brakes. The dynamic upgrades make the M4 GTS lap the Nurburgring Nordschiefe in 7 minutes and 28 seconds.

The M4 GTS gets a substantial power hike over the standard M4. While the standard M4 produces 431 PS, the GTS pushes out 500 PS thanks to water injection technology which was first applied to the M4 MotoGP Safety Car. Torque also jumps from 550 Nm to 600 Nm and power is sent to a 7-Speed dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic. As a result, the M4 GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds to a top speed of 305 km/h. For the full track car experience, BMW also offers a Clubsport Package which adds an Acid Orange roll bar, a six-point harness and a fire extinguisher.